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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Who’s on first?

Well hello! I’m loving all of the suggestions (and empathizers) to the paper dilemma! (Dun dun duuunnnn.)

Number 9,324 I love blogging – you peepsget me. :)

Reason 9,325 that I love blogging – because when something’s on my mind, I tend to yuck it up on my virtual notepad…this blog. And you guys put up with it. :) I’ve had a bit of an epiphany lately and I was inspired to write about it tonight.

It’s a big one…and it’s about time. It only took 35 years for it to happen.

I’ve decided to GROW UP.

Not too much, mind you. Cause grown ups don’t say “Squeezaaays” and “cauuute.” I’m guessing they don’t anyway. (I have it on good authority they do say “lurve” though.)

I guess it started when we started to get serious about paying off our mountain of debt. The more we’ve paid off, the closer we’ve gotten to becoming debt free – the more mature we’ve become. That whole “only spend what you have” thing kind of forces that.

It’s made me (us) be more accountable, spend wiser, delay gratification – all that annoying grown up crap. :)

A few weeks ago I realized I needed to do that in another area in my life as well. You see, I felt like I was growing – not up, but OUT. (No, I’m not pregnant.) ;)

It wasn’t so much the holiday weight that we all feel – I’ve just been putting on weight for months now.

Make that years.

No one I know sees it like I do, of course. But you know how that goes -- we’re our own worst critics. And I just felt like a SLUG. You know what I mean? Like a puffy slug. Not pretty. Or fun.

But it wasn’t until I was visiting our family doc a few weeks ago (for my second case of strep throat in six weeks) that it hit me…I have to start taking better care of myself.

I mentioned to the doctor that I felt like I was gaining weight like crazy, and we had an interesting talk about it. I told him I wasn’t doing anything different, but felt like I was gaining by the month.

And he said something that caused one of those “LIGHT.BULB.” (name that movie!) moments. His response?

“Well, that’s the point – you’re not doing anything different.”

I’m getting older and I can’t keep doing what I’ve always done. (I know 35 is still young, believe me. But 35 is not 25. And it’s certainly not 17. Dang it!)

I tell you what – I walked out of that appointment a different person. It finally hit me – I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF.

I’m pretty much addicted to soda:

(Oh sweet, sweet nectar.)

And I walked out of that doc’s office and gave up soda. I’ve tried it before and couldn’t do it for long. This time, it was cake. Almost twenty-something years of (at least) two sodas a day, and I just stopped.

I thought it would be hard, but something in me clicked this time. Every once and a while I’ll crave a soda and get one, but most of the time it doesn’t even taste good. The odd times it does, I just drink a tiny bit and that’s all I need.

More than three weeks in and I get the craving for it less and less.

I want to grow up and take care of my body. I take care of everyone else – our child, my husband (as much as he’ll let me!) and our HOUSE. But I don’t take time to take care of me.

I don’t know what’s hit me, but I’m tired of it.

So for the last three weeks, I’ve reintroduced myself to this one and her DVDs:

I’m not liking her very much right now…but I might in a couple months. If I can walk then.

I’ve been doing this again:

Aww, look how cute I look!

I kid! That’s not me. Yet. (Someday I’ll look that happy on the treadmill.)

And today, I did something I have dreaded for years. YEARS.

I got a mammogram.

Yes, I’m only 35 and I got my first mammogram. It’s not as unusual as you might think. I had a bump years ago that turned out to just a fluid-filled cyst (determined through an ultrasound). But because of that, the docs wanted me to get a baseline mammogram at 35 instead of 40.

I got the notice months ago, and kind of ignored it. I didn’t make it a priority. I didn’t think it applied to me. I thought, I am only 35.

And then a month ago I got news that a dear family member (who is just a few years older than me) found out she has breast cancer. She has a child younger than mine. She has to undergo chemo. She started shopping for wigs.

It’s rocked me to my core.

She is my new hero, by the way. Her most amazing attitude inspires me to be a better person – I hope to be like her when I (finish) growing up.

Because of her, I finally scheduled that mammogram.

Was it uncomfortable? Yep. Was it painful? Yep. But the uncomfortable and the painful lasted for mere seconds.

Was it worth it? YES.

It was time for me to act like the wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend that I am. I needed to grow up and started taking steps take care of ME.

This isn’t a new year’s resolution. It’s who I’ve decided to be from now on. It took me a LONG time to realize I need to put myself FIRST sometimes. I need to eat more responsibly, get more exercise and grow the heck up. :)

I don’t know the results of my mammogram yet, but we’re obviously praying for a standard letter in the mail next week, and not a call from the doc in a few days. :)

I’m not writing this to preach to any of you. I’m not trying to get anyone to exercise more or at all. I AM asking you to give yourself a few more minutes a day. I do want you to ask your doctor when you should get your first mammogram. If you’re over 40, I want you to schedule your mammogram.

Yes, I’m bossing you around. Yes, I want you to put yourself first, for 20 minutes a day. Or the hour out of your week it will take to get a mammogram.

I’m still a newbie at this, so I’m certainly no expert. But I know something for sure – I’m not going back. I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but I like it, and I plan to keep it up. :)

**I waffled back and forth about getting this personal on here. I mean, I never even mention the words “b.r.a.” or “u.n.d.e.r.w.e.a.r.” on this blog, just because of the wackos out there. IfyouknowwhatI’msayin. ;)

But I decided to put on my big girl u.n.d.i.e.s and just do it – write it and hit publish. I don’t hesitate to hit publish much, but this one has my finger hovering. :)

If it gets just one of you to make more time to take care of YOU for just a few minutes a day, it’ll be worth it.

212 comments:

ACK...cut the sodas OUT... It's bad for you in every way. Waistline, stomach lining. teeth, gums. Find a new healthy drink that you can enjoy and don't even buy sodas anymore. We rarely drink it anymore. Please take this advice from this old woman.

Way to go! My mom got an aggressive form of premenopausal breast cancer when I was only 5 years old, and I can't even imagine how I'd feel in that position with my young children. (She's a survivor, by the way -- my rockstar of a mother is my hero!)

Congrats on taking care of yourself and "growing up" :)

PS Never run on a treadmill in front of a mirror in shorts. It's emotionally scarring, I speak from experience ;)

Good for you!! I actually just went for my annual exam yesterday and had my FIRST mammogram. ( I am 40) Did it hurt..yep..but it felt good to be responsible and take care of myself! Thanks for the post and go get em'!!

I completely get what you are saying. I have been reading a book called Ultrametabolism that makes a ton of sense to my nurse brain. I'm determined to live a healthier life than I am right now and to be as active as possible. I need a ton of energy to keep up with my 3 busy boys!

Thanks for posting this! So glad to hear you are inspired, I love when something just clicks and makes sense! Just like you, I knew I was a puffy slug, and my last medical showed way too many high numbers, and not just the scale. But cholesterol! I'm 30, and I left that appt determined to DO SOMETHING. And you know what, it was much easier when I knew I had to do it. It's not about wanting to change, I had to change, and haven't looked back.

4 months later, I'm happy to tell you so many positive changes have occurred because of the moment it clicked.

My husband bought me a treadmill for Christmas and I love it, try a kettlebell,the site is Gofit.com, I bought a 7 ld one and wish I had got a 10 instead. I bought it at Target and I noticed the difference in my waist in only a couple days. Yes, it's hard to put yourself first when it's always been family that you have taken care of, thanks for the great post! It has helped me keep going on this exersing!

Oh I know exactly how you are feeling! I am only 24, and I have an almost 1 year old son(eep!) and last summer I decided to take care of myself. For my son, yes, and for ME too! I have never been happy with myself and some days I hate myself so I decided if I don't like it, change it!

My aunt recently passed away from cancer. It started a few years ago with breast cancer. She underwent chemo, bought the wigs, and then the cancer went into her bones. She fought a long hard battle and now she is in a much better place. Her passing has made me even more passionate about getting my life back. I just want to be able to control as much as I can and not have any surprises. I know we can't control everything, but what I can, I want to and need to.

I have a weight loss/health blog that you may be interested in reading. It is nothing like your decor blog(which I lurve) but you may get something out of it, heck maybe your readers will get something out of it!

Oh I know exactly how you are feeling! I am only 24, and I have an almost 1 year old son(eep!) and last summer I decided to take care of myself. For my son, yes, and for ME too! I have never been happy with myself and some days I hate myself so I decided if I don't like it, change it!

My aunt recently passed away from cancer. It started a few years ago with breast cancer. She underwent chemo, bought the wigs, and then the cancer went into her bones. She fought a long hard battle and now she is in a much better place. Her passing has made me even more passionate about getting my life back. I just want to be able to control as much as I can and not have any surprises. I know we can't control everything, but what I can, I want to and need to.

I have a weight loss/health blog that you may be interested in reading. It is nothing like your decor blog(which I lurve) but you may get something out of it, heck maybe your readers will get something out of it! http://erasingthepounds.blogspot.com/

I told him I wasn’t doing anything different, but felt like I was gaining by the month.

And he said something that caused one of those “LIGHT.BULB.” (name that movie!) moments. His response?

“Well, that’s the point – you’re not doing anything different.”

That is something I'll be pondering heavily over the next few days. Because it applies to so much. Similar to the saying "If you continue to do what you've always done, you'll continue to get what you've always got."

Excellent, honest post. I will be 34 next month, and last year I began my journey to get healthy. Its been more like an expedition- I had to explore what "healthy" at my age looks like. I learned what "normal" portions look like- holy cow, they're small! I used a fantastic cookbook, The Flat Belly Diet Family Cookbook, written by the editor of Prevention magazine. This cookbook was excellent- I had dessert everyday and lost 31 pounds. Good luck on your journey. Praying for good results on your mammo.

i think we were separated at birth. i'm 35. totally addicted to mt dew, coke, and sweet tea <--- (they practically raise us southern girls on that stuff :) i have three college degrees and my job has nothing to do with them, i.e., i goof off, play around, etc. i'm not a parent. i am a big kid wondering if i'll ever mature :(. but, 7 years ago i had a cyst removed after a horribly painful mammogram. the thought of doing that again put me in tears. last month, my yearly was again, fine. no cysts felt. but i have family history of cancer so they insisted i start mammogram screenings. **here's the key: load up on advil or some other anti inflammatory before you go!!** anywho, i got the call the next day to come back. boo. a 'place' was found in the other breast, so deep it could not be felt. who knows how long it has been there. this time it was biopsied - which in my opinion is worse than mammography - and thankfully it's benign. as i was bemoaning what a miserable december i had because of all that, i was humbled when my friend's mom had a biopsy last week. her results are malignant. bless her. mammography sucks but it is so important!! if you haven't done it, ask someone about it so you'll know what to expect, take a pill, whatever, just do it!!

Just think of it like your putting your seatbelt on everyday. You wouldn't drive without it because you want to protect yourself and be here for those you love. Taking care of yourself is sorta like that seatbelt.... do it to ensure your here to see your children grow up and have families of their own. You can do it just be patient with yourself!

Great job putting it all out there! I had that same discussion with my Dr. a few months ago... basically what I took home was, i'm not getting any younger, so it's not going to get any easier. :( She also mentioned a joke e-mail that she received regarding mammograms... it said something like:The best way to prepare yourself for getting a mammogram is to remove your shirt and bra, lay, stomach down on your cold, hard garage floor and have a car run over you. Ha ha.... what a funny doctor I have! But in all seriousness, I totally know what it feels like to be awaken to the possible reality ~ I've been watching my neighbors daughter every morning so she can get to the hospital to get her chemo. Way to go! And way to be proactive!

Sarah,Thanks for your post...I'm 35 as well, and am definitely feeling the metabolism slowing down. I am a Coke girl but don't ever keep it in the house. I let myself have one now and then, maybe while eating out, but that's it. It took reading about what soda does to your insides and the fact that 1 soda per day per year adds 15 pounds to make me stop drinking it on a daily basis. I applaud your efforts and your encouragement for the rest of us...keep it up!!!!

Girl, you rock! Us women all seem to have a hard time putting ourselves first and making time for us. I don't have a soda addiction....mine is chocolate. Anyways, I was always underweight and have all of a sudden put on 18 pounds in 2 years so although my weight is seminormal, it's distributed all wrong! LOL I need to do more too....I'm 38 and my Dr. has told me to get a mammogram for 2 years now and I've never done it. He tells me he has at least one patient per year in her late 30's that gets breast cancer. Scary!!! I need to get my butt in gear and get mine done too!

Keep up the great work. You are doing awesome, especially with the soda. I know I couldn't go cold turkey on chocolate or coffee.

I put ME first last year and lost 12 pounds! I felt great. My daughter got really really sick over the summer, so I put ME on hold, for now! I'll go back to me when she's better, I know she needs me right now! But, if I didn't take care of me last year, I wonder if I would have had the energy to take care of her! But, I'm just saying you can do it and you will feel wonderful!

I keep forgetting that I am supposed to be cutting out my soda! I LOVE (lurve) my POP!!!! And the treadmill is patiently waiting... but the eliptical at the YMCA is my true love when it comes to exercise. And that test thing... way overdue... thanks for the reminder... I just had a baby so it had to wait until that. As for LIGHT.BULB. it is from the movie Dispicable Me :-) Cute movie.. my fav part.. when he "threatened" his neighbor's dog! "Dead dogs don't." :) lol "Just joking.. but really, they don't"Thanks for the post... after all we need to "grow up" some to stay alive to keep doing the fun things like spending time with our family and revamping rooms!! :))

Way to go! I guess growing up really is about taking responsibility for ourselves, our health and our well being. We need to keep ourselves healthy and happy so we can take care of everyone else! Congrats on kicking the pop habit, I'm still addicted to diet coke. :o(

BRAVO for you. hopefully you've inspired just one person to do the same. i think those who blog and have lots of followers have a unique position to inspire others, and that's what you've done for me. so thanks.

Thank you for putting a smile on my face. Enjoyable to read and a great reminder. I'm trying to put myself first right now too. It's too bad it is not easier :) Bookmarking your blog so I can come back! I needed to smile today.

Sarah, you have a wide audience and I think it's very important that you say these things! As I get older (turning 48 this year - yikes!) and am taking care of my 73 year old mom with Parkinson's, I'm just beginning to realize the IMPORTANCE and NECESSITY of taking care of your health. IT TRULY IS THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS!!!Look at Steve Jobs - what good is all that wonderfulness if you don't have your health? Betty White is my new hero! Hello? 89 and still doing all that she is doing? AWESOME! This is important stuff that you are talking about and we would all be smart to think about the same issues!Thank YOU, Kelly

I eat organic as much as I can, and take the time to read the labels. After multiple sinus infections last year my NYR is to take my vitamin, calcium and vitamin C every day. I don't want to be sick 1 day in 2011. Here's to taking better care of the only body we've got!

Thanks for being brave enough to share your experiences and thoughts. And of course, you are doing this for you, but the example to your children will be just as valuable. And the probability that you will be around with a long and fruitful life is also a blessing to your husband and children.

If you constantly are depleting the account of 'self' (i.e. Wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, cook, housekeeper, accountant...need I continue?) and NEVER make any deposits, then what will be left to give once that account is bankrupt?

That is my realization of late. It seems that once I turned 37 this past Oct that my warranty ran out! Everything needs either a tune up or total overhaul! I'm with you completely on putting on the big girl pants and leaving the not just childish, but foolish behind. Good for you!! Gotta love those AHA epiphanies!

Loved this reminder! I posted today about a mom blogger in Colorado who just had a stroke (her story and link is on my sidebar). She is 38, in a coma with two girls. I wrote a post asking for prayers (I haven't done this type of post before). I have spent the past hour reading her blog. The day before her stroke she was blogging about her fireplace flue. Anyway, thanks for the shout out for mammograms!laura, visiting from http://imnotatrophywife.blogspot.com

A bit of personal thrown in makes for a much more interesting and personal blog! I quit drinking sodas 10 yrs ago when I was 20 lbs overweight...which is a lot on my little 5 foot frame body. I don't even crave it anymore. I believe it has helped me to stay fairly slim although I do need to exercise more.

Good for you for sharing this and being transparent - it is a very hard thing and we respect you for it. Not to mention that I, for one, find myself in the same, albeit older, boat....This boat - the "50" boat- adds a colonoscopy to that lovely list of tests we should get. Puts the squashed boob in perspective! :( sorry if this is TMI!

I love you getting personal! I just gave up diet soda at Thanksgiving. You know what? I DON'T have arthritis after all! I kid you not. My joints have hurt for 10 years, but not anymore. (I'm just a couple years older than you, too!)Yay for you! I love biggest loser and now you make me want to go get Jillian's dvd. I think this is a great message for all the ladies. And also yay for you for getting debt free! Don't you love Dave R.? Prayers for your friend who just got her diagnosis.

What a fantastic post! I came to this same realization today. My husband and I are ready to start a family and after a discussion with my doctor realized that the extra 10 pounds I've gained over the last year can affect my fertility. This evening my husband and I toured our local gym and signed up for a membership. I start swimming again tomorrow. Like you, if I am going to try and take care of someone else, I need to learn to take care of myself first. Kudos to you for getting personal. Keep it up!

Crazy how we don't even realize how yucky we feel until we put on our big girl panties and exercise and take care of ourselves, huh?I'm with you....I just recently switched off of junk food and started exercising, and I feel so much better! I don't think I'll ever go back. I'm turning 30 this year, and it's no 17 either! Good luck keeping it up! And hope your test results come back good!

I think it's great you posted this--the sheer volume of support for this post reiterates that :) For my hubby and me, it's been getting rid of debt. We're expecting our first kiddo in April and we thought, "we have to do something"...we paid off 2 debts this month and it feels GREAT. Keep blogging--about everything! :)

I read your blog religiously, but I don't know if I've ever commented. First- Despicable Me. Love that movie. Second- I had my first mammogram this year- at age 35. They saw something that they are "pretty sure" is lymph nodes, but wanted to do another in 6 months to be sure nothing had changed. Guess what. My six months are up--and then some--and this was a nice reminder/kick in the rear to get it scheduled! I'll call in the morning.

I sooo love this post! It brought tears to my eyes. I feel your pain:) As a mom I feel so guilty about taking any time for myself. I always watch shows where women have let themselves go and would be like..oh no that will never happen to me..well guess what it has! In the end I need to know that taking care of myself physically will improve everyone's lives I care about..if mama ain't happy..ain't nobody happy. Thank you so much!!!

I really...really...REALLY needed this. Just this weekend I caught a glimpse of my badly chipped and broken fingernails. I know that sounds silly, but I was staring at my nails trying to remember the last time I gave myself a manicure. Then I tried to remember the last time I took a bubble bath. Then I tried to remember the last time I went to the gym or for a check-up. I can easily flip through my calendar and tell you when my husband saw the doctor or my son's next check up. But me? Not a clue. I was talking to my husband tonight about this being my last year in my 20s and that I am coming to realize with every crackly joint or sore muscle that my body is screaming for my attention. Thank you for the swift kick. :) And kudos to you for putting your self first!

Great way to get the information out there. I am a 7 year survivor and am a champion for the cure. My first experience was at age 32 when I had my first biopsy, which was benign. Fast forward 20 years to a spot on the other side. The rest is history. Keep sharing the news so that we have more survivors. After that first episode of a benign cyst, I was to have a mammogram regularly but had to fight it because I was "too young." I am glad they have MRI's and Ultra sound to help diagnose for younger women. Do take care of yourselves, but...fight for your health care...whether it be for Breast Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, MS or any other disease. We are women and we need to take care of ourselves! Thanks for speaking up on this important topic.

I turn 40 in june. My goal was to turn 40 fit. I havent really done anything yet and time is ticking. my youngest is still only 17 months, my husband works ALOT and I love reading blogs... Excuses. I too need to take care of myself at least a little. Luckily I dont have bad diet habits and I am thin. But I am a fat thin person and the time needs to be now.

Good for you! I limit my soda (Pepsi is the drug of choice) to 2 a week (cause we like to watch movies with popcorn and soda on Sundays). Sometimes I slip, but not very often.Are you doing the 30 Day Shred? That DVD is EVIL. I swear Jillian is out to kill people. I did it for while last year and within 2 weeks was getting quite fit. Then we went on our cruise and I fell off the wagon and then got very sick. Just as I planned to go back on it (mid-Aug) I found out I was pregnant, so it was a no-go. Once Han Solo is born and I'm up and about again, I plan to start it up. I'll be cursing her the whole time, but I'll do it. Good luck with your fitness!

Sarah you are AWESOME!!! I love your blog and although I don't "know" you, I feel like I do (even just a little). You speak the same language as me and I dig your witty sense of haha. I find it very strange that your post tonight almost mimicked my thoughts exactly...I went to the doc last week (first checkup in 5 years! GASP, that was very negligent of me) and the only reason I opted to go was because I started to feel uneasy about how sluggish I've been feeling and unexplained weight gain. After sweaty palms and viles and VILES of bloodwork (I'm kidding, they only took two!), it turns out that all of my levels are hunky dory except my iron and as a result I am severely anemic. How special. But good because I can fix it with better nutrition and iron supplements. I'm a pretty optimistic person, banishing negative thoughts to the fringes most of the time, but to be honest, I was bracing myself for much worse news. So I did a happy dance! Anyway, I am sooooooo with you that it's not worth waiting until you are scared or until you have a symptom before you see a doctor. And, now that I'm 41, my bod is just not the same hard working little engine that it was even 5 short years ago. Sad realization but with that in mind, I look to a few women that I know who are older than me, even women who are nearing 60+ and I realize that with a few tweaks, I can feel better and look better (which will surely make me feel better! LOL). So here's to you, me and all the gorgeous women that read your blog (and everywhere) that we harness our own power and take care of ourselves! I want to be here for my children long after they've left the nest. I just have to focus and I think your post tonight inspired me to just flippin do it already, lol. If you ever want a cyber workout buddy or even just a mutual cheerleader where we can give compliments or kicks in the butt or someone benign to be accountable to, I'm your girl lol. Just let me know ;-)

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Good for you!! I had a mammo at 28, and it hurt like ****, mainly because the area they are looking at is in a hard to reach place. Yay. But, I can tell you that if they found something off, you probably would have known right then. At least in my case, I got an us immediately after, then the radiologist came in and did one. Talk about scary!!! But, try not to stress bc they more than likely would have let you know.

Thanks, Sarah, for posting this! I have struggled with the same issues of taking better care of myself lately ... Got my first mammogram ever in November (and I'll be 43 this year)! (eek!) I too have a treadmill and am SO unmotivated for whatever reason. I've never been a runner, but am a runner-wannabe. I've always seemed to have a high metabolism and was naturally thin ... that changes as you age, unfortunately. Anyway, I love knowing that I'm not alone! And who knows, maybe if we all do this together, we can encourage each other. I hope one day to be as addicted to my treadmill as I am to your blog. :-) Thanks again!

I used to work outside of the home. When my third child was 3 months old I quit. I was still at a decent weight then, a little over, but nothing serious. It was all downhill from there. After creating a website and sitting on my butt all day working on it, I started to gain. I could give you a mountain of excuses why I now weigh s full 100 pounds more than I did in high school, but why? I'm almost 44 and keep putting off that mammogram, I need to do it, I KNOW. And I wish I had a treadmill!! A friend of mine is hoarding one, not using it and won't sell it to me LOL Good for you on the soda thing. I never really liked soda, so I'm lucky there, water is my drink of choice, I just don't think I get enough.

Mammograms are NOT painful...uncomfortable yet for maybe a mere 10 sec. per shoot. I am a former rad tech and at 58 have had plenty of mammograms. I think when people say they are painful it can prevent women from having them done. Childbirth....now that's pain. So if you can go through that or plan to, have a mammogram and suck it up kiddos. Off my soapbox now.

Sarah-Great post, really it is. I love it when authors actually "get real" with their writing. I'm 40 now and my pre-authoriztion for my mammogram is pinned to my fridge, waiting for me to schedule... Guess I'll be making a phone call today. TKS- Kim

I am glad someone else is soda free. Mine is not really by choice, but this baby I am carrying apparently doesn't like it, so no soda for me. lol

My husband is big into taking care and eating healthy. I had started running (with my fancy freaking expensive shoes) and when I found out I was pregnant and started throwing up constantly I stopped, well my husband actually asked my OB if I could start running because he paid a lot for my shoes lol. Men.

Good for you Sarah! I've recently been so tired of how sluggish I've been feeling & how down on myself I've been getting w/ weight I've gained, grey hairs coming in, not eating how I should & this year I'm determined to do something about it too. :-) Thanks for being an inspiration!

I think all of the comments affirm that you SHOULD do these posts every so often. You're human, just like us. Losing weight is hard, but very rewarding. I took off 25 lbs. last year (and then turned around and got pregnant). HA! There's nothing like being healthy for yourself and your family!

Most everyone has already said it but BRAVO! It's hard to really put yourself out there, but thanks! It's a great reminder to really take care of yourself and to put ourselves first sometimes so that we can continue to take care of others.

I, too, will get a baseline mammogram at 35. My mom is a survivor of breast cancer. The seconds - even minutes - of uncomfortable is totally worth making sure I'm healthy and ok.

I'm so proud of you, so glad for you to be taking care of yourself. And don't worry--you'll be able to walk again soon. I know Jillian--she makes you aware of muscles you never knew you had, huh? But it'll get better.

And I am proud of you for hitting publish. You have such a great platform here; I'm proud of you for using it like this. You might have saved a life today, Sarah!

Thank you for the the good kick in the butt. I needed to read this today. Mom guilt makes me question everything I do for myself. But, I need to do something different. I am 36 and I want to "grow up" and rock my grand-babies.

Sarah - thanks for sharing! I've had a similar wake-up call over the past 2 years (I'm 41) and some health scares. It forced me to take better care of myself and, like you, had to give up my 25-year Diet Coke habit. I'm pop-free for almost a year now and I honestly don't miss it at all. I drink GALLONS of water a day and it's made unbelieveable improvements in my health, along with some great supplements, going gluten-free, and a new homeopathic doc that's fixing what ails me. The combination of all that has also helped me lose almost 30 pounds since March 5, 2010!!

Congrats on reaching grown-up status! We felt we reached that pinnacle on December 3, 2010 when we drove to Dave Ramsey's office in Nashville to scream "WE'RE DEBT FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!" There's something about taking control of one's finances that leads to maturity in so many other areas of life as well!!

OK Sarah...I thought before that I had this odd connection to you, that you were living my life only you're in Indy and I'm in Ohio, you have one boy, I have three...but now I.Know.We.Are. Twins.or Soul Sisters. Decorating is my passion but I don't have the budget for it. I spray paint anything that doesn't walk or breathe (at least not yet). We have been on the Dave Ramsey plan for 3 years now (we're debt free as of one year ago minus the cars and the house...but we're getting there!). We're committed to finish our basement this year and I'm in the process of decrapification too. And I JUST GOT MY FIRST MAMMOGRAM ON TUESDAY!!!!!!!!!!! YOU.ARE.FREAKING.ME.OUT!! I couldn't agree more with what you said about taking care of us. But it is truly the hardest thing to ever do. I just found out that I have to have a hysterectomy and with a full-time job, three boys (13, 10 and 8) and a hubby who's awful cute but still needs me, I'm at a loss for finding 4 weeks to just take care of me.

Hang in there SoulSista, as will I! Keep posting so that I know without a doubt that we were separated at birth!

Thank you so much for this kick in the seat! I'm 32 and what you said is exactly what I needed to hear. I need to take 20 minutes and actually take care of me for a change. I need to make that dreaded doctor's appointment. I need to admit that I'm not in my 20's anymore (drat!) and my body needs a bit more attention. Thank you!

I love that you realize it's not a new years resolution. It is a lifestyle change. That shows soooo much of the grown up deep within you that is trying to come out. I had the same light bulb moment when I was around 35 and I shed 30 lbs and got in better shape thatn what I have been in most of my life. Thanks goodness light bulb is still burning! I will be 40 in a couple months and life has been good since the light was turned on. Good luck to you on your journey of growing up! :)

I had one of those light bulb moments about a week ago myself. I am 27, and I was thinking about my body and how i seem to gain weight more now. (I was always the skinny one that made everyone sick...so they said.) I am still skinny to most people, but I am like my grandma when it comes to gaining weight; I gain it in my stomach first and it looks like I am pregnant, although I know i am not. People at my church were starting to wonder if I was a couple months ago! But my light bulb moment was when I realized that working out was something that I was going to have to consider like work...you gotta do it. My body will never be 17 years old again. SO I am growing up right there with you.

Btw, do you have a Wii? If so, get the Just Dance game. My hubby got it for me for our 6th anniversary (which is actually Saturday but he couldn't wait to give it to me!) and I played it yesterday. I am so sore today! It's so much fun though! The more energy you put into it, the more points you get, so you really get a good workout!! Highly recommend it!

One more thing-- I want to echo what Nanci said, I didn't find the mammogram painful. Everyone had mea leetle scared about it, but I really didn't think it hurt at all. Uncomfortable, yes, but painful no. So don't put it off out of fear. Everyone is different and you might be one of us lucky ones who really doesn't have an ssue with it. And one more thought to put out there-- I was warned by my Dr. before I went that because it was my first, they would look VERY VERY carefully and perhaps want to follow up with another test and that I shouldn't freak out about it. They just want a really clear baseline to work with going forward. This really helped me to keep my cool when they redid one side, then ordered an ultrasound, and then had a big pow-wow with another DR about it. And STILL they wanted to see me 6 months later. But I'm still keepin' my cool.

Such an inspiring post! Thanks for posting and being honest! I still am fairly young (26) but I also think I need to start taking care of my self...your post makes me want to go home right now and let Jillian Michaels kick my you know what! Breast Cancer runs in my family at a VERY young age so I too have gone and got a mamogram (dr. recommended) All was well, thank goodness! Good luck to you!!

This is amazing. In addition to being a decor junky I am a personal trainer and fitness instructor. The fact that you have had this AhHa moment will change you forever. Taking care of youself IS taking care of the people you love. This is the big "IT" in life! So when motiviation gets low or times get overwhelming just remember this feeling right now and don't give up. It is a marathon not a sprint! Rock it girl!

Oh, bless your heart and good for you! This is a good way to grow up - just keep your young at heartness! :) I have to admit I was over 40 when I had my first mamo but now each year I have one.I wish you the best as you continue on your quest! :)Be a sweetie,Shelia ;)

I loved your post. I got this attitude about the age you are now and I am now 48. Maybe it's just that age and realizing you aren't getting any younger (and you and I are far from old, missy! LOL) I just think, most of us women, get a certain age and wise up and realize that we can't keep the same habits and attitudes and expect life to continue with no blips. I'm proud of you. It's never too late as far as I'm concerned. - Karen

I've never commented before, but I want to share a tip for reducing the discomfort or pain of a mammogram. I just had my first a few months ago and about 45 minutes before I went, I took 3 ibuprofin. No pain! Slightly uncomfortable for a couple of seconds, but totally tolerable.

awesome post! and thanks for hitting publish! us women often need a push to take care of ourselves,and i'm a single mom so i really need the push! i'm going to go schedule a pap smear, ewwww, but i'm years overdue and i just gotta DO IT!! love your blog and read it faithfully:)

Well at 32 I went and got a complete blood panel workup and it all came back bad. Diabetes, cholesterol, triglycerides, thyroid disease,vitamin levels out of whack and anything else....I'm sure I forgot something.W.o.w. is what I said. Did I mention this the day after I had all four wisdom teeth pulled and couldn't talk or eat? Oh, and I lost my job that day too.I'm still 32, I'm doing what I am supposed to. It took a bit of 'putting on the big girl panties' but I am in this for the long haul.

It's sad it takes a slap in the face like that, but I tell myself, it could be worse.

Follow your blog regularly and appreciate your candor and honesty in this post! LOVE Dave Ramsey and so glad his teaching has helped you too (like us!) ... love your self-deprecation (it is just good to take a hard look at ourselves and be honest, isn't it?! - I'm in the midst of that ...) SO glad you got the mammogram - I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 6 years ago at age 40 and they were wishing I had a baseline to compare to ... so GOOD JOB!!! You are growing up nicely!!! :) Blessings! Terri thewhitehousefive@juno.com

Nanci -- I can understand why you commented and said what you did, but it WAS painful for me. Not just uncomfortable -- painful. Mammograms are for many people. I hear the larger the breast, the more it hurts. That's my point though -- like I said, it's only for for seconds at a time (mine weren't even ten seconds each) and it's bearable because it's necessary. Like I mentioned -- it's time to grow up. You do stuff that isn't fun because you HAVE to.No, it won't hurt everyone. But it will for many, and I wanted to put it all out there.

I love this post and I LOVE your blog! My husband and I have started the same thing, not necessarily a diet, but taking care of ourselves. We work out with Jillian M. every night and I completely understand the love/hate relationship with her-I love her because she pushes me but I just want to punch the tv sometimes!!:) Good luck!

I was ADDICTED to Diet Dr. Pepper a few years ago and quit one day as well...I got headaches for a couple of weeks but after that I was OK...and the best part of it all, my teeth got about 4 shades whiter! I mostly just drink water now and they have stayed white ever since! That's what convinced me I had made a good decision.

I had my baseline mammogram done at age 38 when I had an 8 year old and a 3 month old at home. They "found something" and I was sick for the three days until I had to go back in for another mammogram. I found out that I have what is called "lumpy breast syndrome" so I have to get a mammo every year. Is it fun? Like you said, NO but it is worth it to make sure my kids have me around for a loooong time. Great post.

I love your blog and read it every day. This post hit home as I know I need to make changes and know what I need to do, I just need to do it! I'm so happy you are doing well with your workouts as sometimes working out at home can be difficult as you can find so many other things that NEED to be done. LOL avoidance tactic #1! Keep yourself on the great road to good health. My goal is to look like Tosca Reno :) but an even bettter one is to feel great to spend time with family. I hope your family member stays strong, we are all pullin' for her!

Thanks for sharing! I too gave up pop, not that I drank that much, but I had noticed it was adding up! Now if I want a pop I drink water instead. It is so hard as a mother to take care of yourself, but a wise woman once told me that if you want to do the best job of taking care of your kids and house etc. first you need to take care of yourself. I have been thinking about that a lot lately so your post really helped!

I had my last Coke on 3/17/10 and every once in awhile still have dreams about them. Drinking just 2 a day was a good day for me, but now I can't believe how long I lasted without the caffeine. Of course, I'm terrified to just have one for fear that I will fall off the wagon and be hooked again. Good luck with all the new habits. It's not easy, but nothing ever is.

Thank you for sharing that. This is my new year's resolution, too - or rather, last years...okay, maybe the previous October, when my allergies became full-blown asthma which knocked me on my butt and kept me from doing *anything* for a long time. Last year was like trying to push jello up a sand dune, but the last few months I finally feel like I'm gaining ground. Yay! And it's posts like these that keep me inspired. You keep up your good work, and I'll keep up mine. :)

I have had to grow up as well! You see, pre-children I ran five miles EVERY-DAY...with each passing child the miles were driven rather than ran. In November I fell ill, literally half my body would go paralyzed, my hands would trimmer, it was awful, Christmas Eve they wanted to admit me to the hospital, I cried. It turns out they want to diagnose me with m.s....which means they don't know what is wrong with you but they can HOWEVER give you a label and drugs and hope that helps.

So I have decided to grow up, cut the junk out of my life, my husband is sending me to yoga (literally he is making me go), I have to take a few minutes every day to read the Bible and to just SIT, and I have taken up the program insanity again (highly recommend it). I pray it helps because the last thing I want is a diagnoses of m.s.!

YOU GO GIRL!!!! AWESOME job! I have two sayings I live by that allow me to be selfish (on occassion) without feeling guilty.

Repeat after me..."I will place my oxygen mask on first then take care of others". Aka save yourself so you can be around for those you love.

"Every mom needs a mother." You know how all us moms mother everyone else but ourselves...take your vitamins, eat your veggies (you know the mantra). Now it's time to turn the tables and MOTHER YOURSELF!!!

I decided that I would start taking care of myself this year too. I am only 28 but I have a 8 month old son and I want to be here for everything important in his life! So as of 2011 I have decided this is the year I learn to eat better and work out every day and just be happy with who I am and who I am going to be as I grow up. I know I am still growing up because I am still young but I am a mother now and I feel that that is more important than anything else in my life now. I have done good for the last 3 weeks and I am hoping I can continue it for the rest of my life!

Yay for you, Sarah! You should write these things, I read your blog because you are REAL and that includes being real about things that are not always fun like debt or health.

I was diagnosed with cancer at 19. It changed my life. It was not fun, but I would not take it back. Bald is beeea-utiful, baby. I chose to learn from it - much like how you are choosing to DO something now.

I love that you gave up soda (pop as we call it here in Utah), I gave it up years ago (I was SEVERELY addicted to Dr. Pepper) & I can't hardly drink the stuff anymore. I definitely hear you on the "taking care of yourself first" stuff. I am only 27 & I am pregnant with my 3rd child in less than 3 years. My body is worn out & I am out of shape. My goal is to build my body back up once I have this baby.... taking care of little ones all day long while pregnant, I deserve to take care of me!

Goodonya! Oh and if you don;t do yoga yet-start. Flxibility wanes as you age. Use it or lose it! My hubby is 47 and runs, rows, and works out daily. I am 54 (!) and two years ago started boot camp workouts-talk about results!

Hubs and I go to a Yoga twice a week and stretch every AM. It's work, but it's so worth it :)

BTW, Soda leaches magnesium from your bones when your body digests it. Good thing you are off that stuff-never mind the sugar, and empty calories...

You just motivated me to get up off of the couch and away from my computer. I'm heading to the basement to go work out to my Jazzercise dvd! Thanks for the inspiration! I am usually inspired to go do something fun to my home after reading your blog - now I'm inspired to take care of me!

I just did a similar post. I just read on the Breast Cancer Site that insurances are not required to cover reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy. Isn't that crazy? You can sign a petition on their site for legislation to require insurance to pay.

I have 3 friends who are breast cancer survivors and 1 who didn't make it. It is kind of a soap box subject for me.

Good for you for getting your mammogram and it's wonderful that you posted about it! It's all about awareness! Keep up the good work.~Tricia

Oh coke! How I love thee! Let me be clear, because I am in Texas here, I do not like Coca-Cola. I like Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, Root Beer, and umm... yea. It's all good.

I had a scare back in college for my health (heart related) and was told to cut out cokes. I quit cold turkey for 2 years. Then I found out the scare was not what we thought it was and I went back on "the juice."

I know I should stop. I really don't even enjoy it all THAT MUCH.. but I crave it. Maybe I should put on my big girl "u.n.d.i.e.s" as well.

I am taking steps to be healthier though. Running, etc. I know what you mean about wanting to grow up and doing for yourself. It's an important part of taking care of others. If you're not in a good place, you can't take care of them as well. And if you're all sickly, you surely can't nurse a sick child (or husband-acting-like-a-child which is more the case in my house).

Good for you! And good for you for posting! I love your blog and with so many readers, it's great for you to take a healthy stance and also to push for women to get their checkups.

My mom has breast cancer (for the second time), so I know how rough it can be. I'm praying for your family.

LOVE your blog...you inspire me every time i read it! i felt like you were writing about ME is this blog post!!! every word echoed my exact thoughts and feelings! i'm totally on board with you to not only take care of our families but to make time to take care of MOM too! how can i be the best wife and mother i can be if i'm not taking care of me??? thanks for putting into words all my feelings! good luck with your new chapter...cannot wait to tackle mine!

Sarah - Devoted reader for over a year now and I don't even decorate! You just keep me laughing at the table, every.single.post!

I just wanted to say thank you for this post. I turned 30 last year and ever since I just don't feel "healthy" anymore. I'm not overweight, but my bones ache, muscles are sore (and it's NOT from working out because I don't, which I'm sure doesn't help) and my body just doesn't seem to want to cooperate with the plans I have for each day. I've recently decided to take action to change this but your post has motivated me even more. Like you, I'm a mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. I don't smoke, drink in large quantities or do drugs, but I also don't exercise, don't limit my intake of sweets, don't monitor my salt and overall don't set a good example for my children on how to take care of themselves. I need to fix this.

I loved this post. I have had the light bulb moments too! Mine came while watching Jillian on a Public TV special and she made reference to if your food doesn't decompose on the shelf of the store...it doesn't decompose in your body. I know duh!! But until she put it like that it just did not compute.LOL So thank you for affirming that it is OK to take care of ourselves. We can't take care of our families and others if we do not properly take care of ourselves. I love your blog and look forward to reading more!!

Sometimes it takes scary things to make us realize what we need to do. I've always done regular self checks and woman appointments because I have a family sister of breast and ovarian cancer. My younger sister didn't she went to her first one right after she got married (at 22) and they found traces of cervical cancer, luckily before it spread. Now she has to go twice a year and I shudder to think what could have happened if she hadn't gotten married to a Navy Man so she had to go. I hope your friend makes it through and Congratulations to you on your lifestyle changes and self commitment.

One thing that helps to get a really awesome water bottle and carry it with you all day (it needs to be awesome because the cuter/cooler it is, the more likely you'll want to carry it) so you can drink your recommended amount of water. You'll notice a huge difference in how you feel if you drink enough water!

Sarah,I absolutely love your blog and this post is really what I needed. My New Year's resolution (again) is to lose weight and get healthy. I'm about 80 pounds overweight and am addicted to sugary baked stuff. (not horribly....be enough that it's a problem ;)) Since you mentioned it, I know from experience that Jillian's program works.....and the only thing that stopped it from helping me was.....well....ME! Keep it up and good luck!!

I think "pushing" your readers to take care of themselves is great! Women (and men too, I suppose) have a hard time putting their name up there with everyone that they love and care for. Moms especially have a difficult time finding that time, and then for some it's too late. Being an example to our children can also include showing them how to take care of themselves and have time to be them (you). Women of any age need to be aware of their bodies and what is "their normal" - and make their physician aware when normal is out of whack. Thanks again for this post and I hope many jump on board with you! :)

Great post. You are normal. Just like the rest of us. For those who have never had a monogram, from someone who has had many (yes I'm that age), it was not painful for me. Uncomfortable yes, painful no.

You are so awesome! Good job on the soda thing...that is so hard. It's never been a big deal for me, but my hubby came from a family of coke addicts and when he kicked the 4 cans a day habit, I swear it was the hardest 5 days of our marriage :)

I am on extreme physical restrictions with a difficult pregnancy, so I can't exercise at all (I can't even stand for longer than 10 minutes, or load the dishwasher) but you've inspired me to finally sign up for one of those websites where I'll log my food intake for the day. I eat lots of really good stuff, but I also eat a lot of crap. Maybe if millions of people on the internet see what i'm eating i'll be shamed/motivated into eating better!

I don't know if you'll have a chance to read this because there are eleventy billion comments before mine, but I wanted to say that I've been thinking about stuff like this an awful lot lately too. I don't want to die young the way my dad did...I want to be here for my family. I think the reason I haven't worked harder is pure laziness. Thank you for writing from your heart, Sarah!

Amazing post!! I am 29 and had this same "aha" moment last March. I am a mother of two small boys and I realized I wasn't the best person OR mom I could be, because I was unhappy with myself. And had been ever since I had my oldest son 5 yrs ago. Really great post, glad you hit publish : )

Thanks for this post. I have been thinking about all of this too. I will be 35 in April with two young children and have been in a funk for 2 to 3 weeks now and realize I need to get up and exercise and take care of me. I needed the talking to Thanks!!

I recently got a mammogram and celebrated when I received my all clear notice in the mail. Because my best friend had breast cancer young and another very close friend died two years ago from it. She was first diagnosed at 39.

I am now psyching myself up for a colonoscopy... :^( - not fun but better than the alternative. And they give you nice drugs...!

Thanks for your post! I too, recently decided to start eating healthier because I've been noticing that same thing: I'm not doing anything different and it's starting to affect me. Okay, granted, I am only 23, but I have noticed I am not 17 anymore. I figure it's never to early to start taking care of yourself, hey?

So, the best thing in the world to help me with this is this amazing website called Nutrimirror. Basically it's an online food journal, but it's really cool because it keeps track of your fat, protein, carbs, vitamins, everything, and let's you know how well you are eating each day. A lot of people use it to lose weight, but it's main purpose is to learn how to nourish your body in ways that are healthy and delicious. It's all about what you are talking about - making a lifestyle change and putting yourself first sometimes. And everyone on there is so encouraging - I recommend you check it out!!

Thank you so much for hitting the "Publish" button because I SO needed to read this today! I happen to fall into the category of taking care of everyone else first... (hubby, kids, home, family members, friends, friends of friends, the dog, my neighbors, my neighbors dog) u you get the picture (LOL)... that I am left with little or no time at all FOR ME! So, starting today I will be numero uno, and I WILL be okay with it. I won't give in to the "Guilt Monster" for taking an hour or two a day just. for. me.Thank you and I wish you all the best in your endeavors! :) Here's to you!

Good for you , I have also decided to take care of me , I shouldn't take better care of my house than myself , I have lost 6.5 lbs already fitting into old jeans and using my elliptical machine daily , I have 2 years to 40 and I always imagined looking hot , but if I don't do something now I won't get there. It is about time I stopped taking my health forgranted , feeling so much better already and I want to be a good example for my girls , glad you shared.

I had my first mamo last year and I was scared out of my pants. It was uncomfortable and awkward, but over in mere minutes and I was able to breath a sigh of relief when all was said and done. I'm so glad I stumbled across your blog... it's always a great read and always something I can relate to. Thank you! :)

Thats really great!! I gave up diet soda a few years ago because my dentist said it was the cause of my cavities. Keep up with the exercise---I started exercising 20 years ago ( I'm 55) and soo good for you- I weigh less now then when I was 30 even after I went through menopause a few years ago . My doctor said its from the exercise that my tests come back good. Keep it up

Good Job Thrifty Decor Chick! I am SUPER proud of you. Now, if you want a little "Crafty Fitness" from "Moms Crafty", look on our page for new workouts and tips to survive family life, kids, cookies and exercise each week. I have a BS in Exercise Physiology and my Sister ("Seester" - not stink eye) and I are craft addicts.

Thanks so much for sharing - your honesty and straightforwardness are greatly appreciated! Lately I have really been "feeling my age" (which also isn't all that old) and having those same realizations about taking care of myself.

Starting with little changes is a great way to ease into the bigger changes. Totally agree about the giving up soda. I am doing the same thing and it is harder than one would think.

Best wishes and thanks again for sharing the difficult to talk about stuff along with the fun stuff like decorating, etc.

Good for you! I work in cancer and any message to get screening is a good one. You are spot on: a mammogram will hurt/be uncomfortable for a few seconds, but the information it provides and the cancer it (might) find early is worth every second.

Thanks for sharing the Mammo story! Good luck! I am a 9 yr survivor. I was diagnosed at 32. It's so important that we woman watch ourselves closely, and question anything new! At 32, the mammography place tried to turn me down..I was too young. Thank god I convinced them to do the baseline pics.

Thank you, thank you for sharing this with us as a very important reminder of what we probably all already KNOW, but need to be challenged. I know I do. So thanks again, for taking me out of my "decor head" for just a moment to concentrate on something more important. After all, if I'm not healthy, I can't create or decorate or design and that would be the biggest bummer!

Bravo..... Great Job in posting your feeling and sharing with your readers.If you have a Wii - jump on Wii Fit or Wii Fit Plus and get your exercise while having fun and it keeps track of your weight and exercise time. I lost 30 pounds using the Wii Fit Plus and cutting back on portions.You have to take care of yourself to be able to take care of your family, it's not selfish in fact it is showing how much you love them to be there for them.I'm 52 and it took a long time to realize that putting yourself on the list is really a gift you give your family - so Kudos that you had the light bulb moment at 35.

Sarah-do you know how inspiring you are to people??? Thank you for being real with your readers. I like you very much! I too have put on the poundage over the years and it's come to the point of disgust with myself. I started around Xmas slowly getting acquainted with the exercise machines and it has done wonders for my mind and body. It's hard to put yourself first being a mom, but it's worth it if you become a better mom. I haven't lost weight yet, but feel great! Keep us updated and we all support you!

I'm on the health change, too. We are going to the gym 4-6 times a week and eating lighter portions. We always ate pretty healthy here with a high fiber diet with lots of veggies and lean meats. Just too much! Since Dec 28 I've lost 13 pounds and gained a lot of energy. I've got 30 more to go this year but I am determined to do it! You can, too! Good luck!

Fantastic post Sarah! I am glad you hit publish! I am sure it will be an inspiration or the additional kick in the butt to get other young women to take better care of themselves. Even though my boys are grown, I still sometimes find it hard to put myself first. But, in order to take care of others, I need to take care of myself first or I won't be able to care them! Vicious circle!

um, do you think God can speak through blogs??? this post SO could have been mine...wait, except I'm still sitting here full of guilt and chugging diet cokes (as my hubby endures his 3rd day caffeine and aspartame free!)I've tried to quit SO many times! I was 3 weeks soda free in October and then my little guy ended up in the hospital and the stress did me in...totally fell off the wagon and have been downing the diet cokes since. NEED TO STOP NOW!! Feel like crap a lot. I'm 34 and feeling ALL the same things as you. Actually just had a mammo last week, ended up having an ultrasound and surgeon follow up but all checked out ok for now! Good for you for getting squeezed! Thank you for posting and being an inspiration and motivation. I'm going to try to make a new start too! LOVE your blog and love that you got personal! OH,and way to go on the debt thing too! WE LOVE Dave Ramsey too!! :)

I LOVE your blog!!!! I can soooo relate to your last two posts! I seriously talked to my friends about these topics this week!!! Thanks for sharing with us!!! I'm 36 and I want my 17 yr. old body back too!

What an excellent post. I know everyone has already said that, but I thought I'd throw my approval on you too. ;) Jillian has been "shredding" me for the last few weeks and I hate/love her for it. Looking to get a few more DVDs so I can switch it up since Jillian is a bit too tough for me to manage daily at this point.

Love this post! Jillian Michaels...ugh. Did her 30 day Shred last year and remembered her words, "You don't get these abs for free!" But I got results!

It seems as mothers we take care of everyone before ourselves, doesn't it? I'm about to hit the big 3-0 and am feeling the metabolism slow down and my energy go downhill. Time to give myself some care!

Hey! Good Luck on the whole healthy thing! I did it 3 years ago and I'm still kickin'.If you want to help and keep you motivated, I suggest two books. 1. In defense of Food. Michael Pollen2. Why we are fat (can't remember)

EXTREMELY interesting reads, which after applying, helped my weightloss even more. The books make sense.

What a GREAT (an unexpected) post. Something I know I needed to hear. My BFF had breast cancer at 25 and a double mastectomy. It happens. Crazy huh. I also am so feelin' ya about the soda, weight, exercise thing. I don't think I've ever matured in terms of my diet and how I take care of myself, and it's something I really need to work on. Anyway, thanks for the food for thought today.

Fanchy said the very thing that I always say. You can't keep making withdrawls and never make any deposits! I read that in Robin McGraws book...Inside my Heart. A must read!!!I LOVE pepsi. I have 1-2 cans a day. If I don't have one early in the day I get a migraine. I am going to try to stop drinking soda. I am one who is always trying to gain weight. But my stomach has no problem with having a muffin top attached to it. I know it is the soda. I get my mamo's. I have had 2 scares, but thank God they were benign. Prayers for your friend and thanks for a great post!!!!I love your blog and I have to say this one was my fave!Good luck to you. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Yay Sarah!!! I'm a stickler for mammo's! I had my first lump at 22 & had to have surgery to remove it. Luckily, it was benign. Very scary after having a grandmother & aunt die from breast cancer. I'm 37 now & never miss a mammo. It's not fun, it hurts but it doesn't last long & the peace of mind you get is worth every second of discomfort!

Thanks for sharing your story. Sometimes it's easier to be more candid with people you don't know rather than those that you do know, and that can be a good thing for sure. Keep taking care of yourself and thanks for inspiring all your readers to do the same! You rock!

You have helped me and so many people enjoy DIY projects. Let me help you with my blog. I've recently turned my life around the same way you are with my "diet." But I find ways to make our guilty pleasures healthy. http://www.healthymealsforless.blogspot.com Good luck!

I read your blog faithfully and think it and you are terrific but I don't think I've ever commented. I had to come out of hiding to thank you for such a great post. You may have saved lives today. My mom's early stage, yet aggressive and fast-growing cancer was discovered via mammogram. Her doctors couldn't even feel it after they knew where it was. They told her that by the time anyone would have felt it it would have been too late for her...

Congrats on all the great things you're doing and thanks so much for giving me the motivation I need to do the same!

I hear ya girlfriend! I'm 35 and was taken by surprise a couple of months ago at my annual OBGYN visit, when I found out that my blood pressure was through the roof! I felt totally fine but my bp was so high I had to go right to the ER. After weeks of testing they found no reason for it, I have no risk factors. You just never know about these things. Anyway, I'm on meds and I have been exercising 3 days a week since then....actually I had started the week before all this, but now I have to keep doing it. It shouldn't have taken a scare like that to make me realize it's time to take care of me, but it did....I probably would have given up or at least slacked off on the workouts by now if I didn't know that it was necessary. I also had to get a mammogram when I was 34 because my Mom had breast cancer. Just so you know, If they want you to come back in 6 weeks, don't be too alarmed. The standard letter I got was worded in a way that made me really nervous, but when I called, they told me they like to compare 2 mammos to establish a baseline. Good luck with that and with your exercise. Thanks for sharing this with us!

Sarah,You bless my socks off every time I come here. You are a blessing to me and so many others. It is your honesty and your heart that has made your blog explode!You can't help but love you! :)I am addicted to cokes also. At least two large ones from McD's a day!I have tried to quit so many times, but always fail.It's my one vice.But I do eat pretty healthy and exercise a lot. So that's good, right?I am 40 now, and my metabolism has definitely slowed down! I can't eat like I use to.After Mom's passing, I realize how short life is, and I want to live as long as I can for my boys.Thanks for sharing your heart!You rock!Traci

Good for you!!! The taking care of ourselves instead of others is sometimes the hardest thing. Mammograms are an unpleasant but necessary thing. I am an eight-year survivor of breast cancer, diagnosed when I was 38. My youngest child was one at the time. My yearly mammogram is actually more painful now after surgery and treatment, but until someone comes up with a better way to diagnose breast cancer I will faithfully have it done each year. My oldest child graduated from high school this past year and I want to be around at least long enough to see my youngest do the same. Off my soapbox, but I encourage all women in their 30's to have a talk with their doctor about when is the right time for them to have a baseline mammogram done.

Thanks for the kick in the patootie! I can't tell you how often my "lunch" consists of my kids leftover PBJ crusts and various other sundries but I make sure my kids and hubby have balanced meals?! Why is it so hard for us moms to put ourselves on our own to-do lists?

I'm glad you hit publish! I have been reading your blog for awhile, now, and love your decorating tips. But I also loved reading your "personal post" this morning! I have also decided to take care of ME this year and started by joining a very affordable, small gym. I'm going 3x a week because I can't afford to live the same way, either. I'm 33 and that Ben & Jerry's habit of mine is beginning to show up right on my backside :) Glad to hear you're taking care of YOU!

You totally hit a button with me, a good button. I too, take care of my 3 kids, my husband, my house, and I work full-time out of the office. I NEVER give myself any time and feel worn down moreso than none. Don't get me wrong, I am happy in life, but maybe not in me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I truly love your blog, your creativeness, and appreciate you touching on a subject that most of us "push aside". I too will "try" to work on myself. I have a treadmill that I walk past a lot and it snivvles at me - heck, I think at times, it laughs at me. We will change that thanks to your words of encouragement.

I am so with you on this! I don't have kids yet, but we have 2 very spoiled dogs that are 'our girls.' I also spend most of my time taking care of them, my husband, my house, constantly helping my family out and I don't take time for me. I HAD a huge soda drinking problem..about 1-2 a day generally. I also have started gaining weight..and at 21 - it doesn't make me very happy. At the beginning of the year I resolved to stop drinking that stuff and like you- I have tried many times before and not succeeded. Then- January 1 2011- I dropped it. I've had 3 partial sodas in 21 days and it feels good! Thank You for sharing. It's easier for me to take more time for myself when someone else tells me to do it, than to do it myself. I feel selfish- but I shouldn't. Thank You for being brave and pushing that button.

I am so with you on this! I don't have kids yet, but we have 2 very spoiled dogs that are 'our girls.' I also spend most of my time taking care of them, my husband, my house, constantly helping my family out and I don't take time for me. I HAD a huge soda drinking problem..about 1-2 a day generally. I also have started gaining weight..and at 21 - it doesn't make me very happy. At the beginning of the year I resolved to stop drinking that stuff and like you- I have tried many times before and not succeeded. Then- January 1 2011- I dropped it. I've had 3 partial sodas in 21 days and it feels good! Thank You for sharing. It's easier for me to take more time for myself when someone else tells me to do it, than to do it myself. I feel selfish- but I shouldn't. Thank You for being brave and pushing that button.

What a terrific post! As a 40year old breast cancer survivor, (5yrs cancer free now) I'm very bossy with all my friends about getting their mammograms. But bossy out of love is a good thing sometimes!Good for you on taking time for taking care of yourself. I'm struggling to do this every day but it is one of my goals this year!

Oh my gosh! I gave up soda (cola was my soda of choice - I may have been drinking 6 cans a day!) for good for almost a year ago (last February)! It took me years to kick the habit for good! I so understand what you mean when you said something just "clicked!"

I totally agree aboutt taking care of yourself. I was diagnosed out of the blue this summer with breast cancer (I was 39) and have been through surgery, chemo and now radiation. I'm kickboxing with a DVD 5 x's/week per order of the oncologist to help keep scar tissue from forming. And I intend to continue because I want to be around and healthy for as long as possible.

Mammograms are no fun; colonoscopies are even less pleasant. But if we don't take care of ourselves, who's going to take care of all the stuff we juggle if we suddenly can't? Thanks for the post and reminder to all of us who put everyone else first.

I came to the same conclusions you have, at about the same age you are. In the last few years, I've begun alternating between running, yoga, pilates and weight lifting on a daily basis and I've dropped 20 pounds. I eat better, sleep better, have more energy and focus, and yes - I get my annual checkups on schedule now. And I still don't know exactly what I want to be when I grow up :-)

I had breast cancer at 35. No known reason. No risk factors. It just happened. I noticed the lump myself and went in... surgeon was sure it was a Fibroadenoma but I wanted it removed. 3 Days later I found out I had cancer. 6 Months of treatment; surgeries, chemo, radiation... and now it's almost been 6 years. Yay!

We are lucky to live in this country where we have great medical care.

As a fellow soda addict, let me just say you GO girl! I have kicked the habit before and then fell off the wagon, but am gearing myself up to kick it again! And can I just tell you that it cracked me up that you spelled b.r.a. and u.n.d.e.r.w.e.a.r. Totally laughed out loud! :)

Last year was my year to take care of myself. Long story short--I was having some problems, so I had a colonoscopy (I'm ONLY 32) which turned out fine. Doc said to eat more fiber. duh! And I since I've burned like 1000x in my lifetime so I had the dermatologist give me a once over, and I'm fine. It's good to take care of yourself AND give yourself peace of mind!

That's so good to hear. More women need to "grow up" and start taking care of themselves. We can't take care of others if we're tired, sick, unhealthy. What an excellent reminder to go talk a walk and eat more fruits and veggies. :)

Good for you to get your mamagrams. I have been getting them way in my 20's and now I am 61 yr. old. I have had two biopsies. There is no breast cancer in my family. I have calcium in my right breast that can go into cancer. I thought I graduated and could go back to once a yr. But I am still on the every six months and 2011 starts my 3 rd. yr. I would rather go through the mamagrams ( which for me is nothing at this point) and be same. thanks for the post and to encourage all blog readers. Do get a mamagram and colon test. I was so surprised how easy it was for me. The junk was not bad, and the test, I laid down on the bed and when I woke I was in recovery. My mom died of colon caner when I was 32 yrs. old. Ladies you are worth it! Get the tests. Most hospitals have free Mobil Bus tests if you do not have insurance. Call your local hospital or cancer center and they will get you set up. Your are worth it!

Good for you! It's essential that you take care of you so that you can take care of your family! My mom became gravely ill when I was 18. It rocked my world. I now have 3 children of my own and in the last 10 years have made it my goal to NOT become sick at the age of 45. That's when my mom got sick. I have 8 years to go to that magic #. I work at it daily and it takes up time and $ but it's so totally worth it. Our children are watching us! It's great to be a good role model. :) Keep up the good work!

Sarah, I love Cokes, too...maybe it's from growing up in the south. :) I just have one medium a day...in the morning and I usually throw half away because it gets watered down. I go through a gallon of milk a week and drink lots of water though, so I think my one coke is prob. ok. The milk must be doing something good because my doc did a scan and told me I have the bones of an 18 year old. LOL That's the ONLY thing I have that's like an 18 year old! ;) Now lets talk coffee...that stuff makes Coke look healthy. LOL It isn't loaded with sugar (unless you add it) but it has a fair amount more caffeine from what I've read. But you rarely hear folks talking about kicking the coffee habit...wonder why? Good for you for watching out for your health! You have a hubby and a sweet boy who love and need you...so taking care of you is the best gift you could ever give them. :)Susan

Hi Sarah,Well first the paper post (paper is also my biggest enemy in living a clutter-free life!) and now this one - well said! I commend you for your honesty, for your bravery and for taking some time to focus on your own well-being.

I too have had the same feeling..I think I've hesitated to "grow up" because I feel so young at heart and think that I can't possibly be in my upper 30s. Maybe that's what is going on with you, too?

I wish you all the best on your healthy journey. Hang in there, stick with it and God bless.

May I suggest sparkling water to help you get over the soda pop addiction? I used to be a huge Coca-Cola addict. Now even a sip of my husband's soda makes me want to shudder. I discovered sparkling water and wow! It had that sharp bite that hits your throat just like a nice cold soda, but it is completely guilt free. For a long time I had to flavor mine with a few squeezes of lemon juice, but am now to the point where I enjoy it straight up. Try it!!

I'm so happy you hit publish! At 28. by no means am I "old" but I totally agree with you and your doc; I may have done nothing different but I am getting older. I am not going out dancing with my friends 3 nights a week for 3-4 hours any more. It's been 4 years since those times and though my eating didn't change, the calories-burnt did! And it took me 4 years to notice! haha... here is to a happy and healthy 2011 for all of us :)

Hey,I just wanted to tell you about this thing I've been doing that has helped SO much! It's a Wii thing called "Walk It Out". I think it has other platforms too. You can do it on the treadmill and you walk through this vitual world to music and "buy" things with the number of your steps. Totally addictive. I used to hate doing 20 minutes on the treadmill, now I do at least an hour easy.Your Sister in Frustration - Sheri

I just started with Jillian Michaels too. I like it. She is a major b. But she gets it done. I have lost 5 lbs already! I also have been doing the South Beach eating and I feel great! Good for you. Love it. It feels so good to take care of yourself doesn't it. I am going through the exact same thing.

Congrats on putting yourself first and for the wonderful inspiration. I struggle with the same problem. I did cut out the soda as well. My biggest step was to stop buying it for the house totally. Its amazing how much money I've saved on our grocery budget! If I'm craving a soda, I just buy one can. I've lost about 20 pounds and I think that along with just trying to be more active with the kids have been the major reasons. I'm amazed at how much better I feel.

Good luck with your goals and I look forward to future posts about your success!